The guitar is an instrument that has been played for centuries, with a history that stretches back to ancient times. However, the earliest history of the guitar is shrouded in mystery, and scholars have been working for years to uncover its origins. In this blog post, we will explore the research regarding the earliest history of the guitar before the Middle Ages.

The first evidence of an instrument resembling a guitar dates back to ancient Mesopotamia, around 2000 BCE. Excavations in the city of Ur uncovered a four-stringed instrument made of cedarwood and gold that is believed to be the earliest ancestor of the guitar. This instrument was plucked with a plectrum and was used in religious ceremonies.

Another instrument that is believed to have influenced the development of the guitar is the lyre. The lyre was a plucked string instrument that was used in ancient Greece and Rome. It had a curved body and was often decorated with intricate carvings. The lyre was also played in a vertical position, much like the modern guitar.

The guitar’s development can also be traced back to the Middle East, where the oud was a popular instrument. The oud was a fretless instrument with a pear-shaped body and six courses of strings. It was played with a plectrum and was often used in traditional Middle Eastern music.

In the Islamic Golden Age, which lasted from the 8th to the 13th century, the lute was developed. The lute had a rounded body and a long neck with frets. It was used in classical music and was popular throughout the Islamic world.

Despite the wealth of information we have about these early instruments, the exact origins of the guitar remain a mystery. Some scholars believe that the guitar was developed independently in different regions, while others argue that it was influenced by the instruments of ancient cultures such as the Babylonians, Greeks, and Romans.

One theory suggests that the guitar was influenced by the tar, a long-necked fretted instrument that is still played in Iran today. Another theory suggests that the guitar was influenced by the Spanish vihuela, which was popular in the 16th century.

In recent years, advances in technology have allowed scholars to study ancient instruments in greater detail. For example, CT scans have been used to analyze the structure of ancient lyres and lutes, providing new insights into their construction and design.

In conclusion, the earliest history of the guitar is a fascinating and complex subject that is still being researched today. While the origins of the guitar may never be fully understood, we can appreciate the rich legacy of the instruments that influenced its development. From the ancient Mesopotamians to the Islamic Golden Age, the guitar has been shaped by the cultures and traditions of many different societies, making it a truly global instrument.